The Queen musical premiered in London’s West End before opening in other countries including Australia. Tragically, the country’s original Galileo Michael Falzon died of a rare germ cell cancer yesterday. Tributes have been pouring in for the 48-year-old, including from Queen guitarist Brian May.
The 72-year-old performed on stage at Sydney’s Lyric Theatre with Falzon back in 2004.
Posting a picture of the late musical theatre star, May wrote on his Instagram: “Honouring MICHAEL FALZON – our magnificent Aussie Galileo.
“His death at only 48 is so deeply sad, and a shock to the entire We Will Rock You Family.
“Michael’s talents and wit and charm are irreplaceable. Our sincerest condolences to his wife and family. RIP. Bri.”
View this post on Instagram
Honouring MICHAEL FALZON – our magnificent Aussie Galileo. His death at only 48 is so deeply sad, and a shock to the entire We Will Rock You Family. Michael’s talents and wit and charm are irreplaceable. Our sincerest condolences to his wife and family. RIP. Bri
A post shared byBrian Harold May (@brianmayforreal) on
READ MORE
-
Queen: Brian May performs Bohemian Rhapsody with We Will Rock You cast
Falzon was the first Galileo outside of the UK, debuting in Melbourne’s We Will Rock You in 2003.
And was also the first Galileo in a We Will Rock You production to perform in an arena, at Dublin’s O2 in 2010.
He toured with the Queen musical throughout Australia, Asia and Europe.
Of his experience of being in the show, Falzon told The Sunday Times in 2013: “To work with these guys and have them have faith in you to be able to tell the story and channel Freddy Mercury for people that love his voice and his music, its very humbling and tremendously exciting.”
A couple of months ago, Brian May performed Bohemian Rhapsody remotely with We Will Rock You casts past and present from around the world.
Falzon is sadly absent, presumably because he was too unwell to take part in the video with his fellow Galileos.
The video was created by Sabrina Aloueche (Scaramouche in London) and Alex Bourne (Khashoggi in London).
Over 50 We Will Rock You cast members, creatives and musicians feature in the new video.
The performance was in aid of Acting For Others, who provide financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need.
Aloueche said: “Together, and with the help of a few friends, a three-week project has resulted in a beautiful statement that music, whether live or recorded or in isolation, really does bring a community together!”
“Because of this they’d like to shine a light and raise some awareness for a wonderful charity whose incredible work has helped many individual actors in this industry especially during these tough and uncertain times: Acting For Others.”
We Will Rock You was set to tour the UK this year, but dates have been postponed to 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Queen musical will tour from January to June next year.
May said: “Happy to say our magnificent UK tour of We Will Rock You, the Rock Theatrical, will rise again!
“The Coronavirus has had us all on the run – but Live Theatre will win in the end!!! Keep hold of your bookings and The Vibe will be yours in 2021!”
While Queen drummer Roger Taylor added: “This is great news, I’m so pleased to see the show on the road again.”
Source: Read Full Article
